Festival places

Experience the Zdar estate

Let us take you for a walk through eight centuries of history in the grounds of the former Cistercian monastery and current estate.

The monastery’s history began to be written as far back as the mid-1200 when Cistercian monks founded a monastery in the deep woods of Žďár. New trends and dynamic changes occurred in the 18th century under the influence of Abbot Vejmluva who – jointly with the builder Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel – brought new life to the site. At the Abbot’s incentive, Santini built his masterwork – the Pilgrimage Church of St. Jan Nepomuk at Zelená Hora, one of the UNESCO’s official heritage sites today. During the reforms under Joseph II, in 1784, the monastery was closed and gradually transformed into current estate. In the 1990’s, the Zdar estate was restituted by the Kinský family.

The tour now continues with new exhibits that combine immersive elements and experience with exhibits borrowed from prominent Czech institutions. Experience the unique atmosphere of history, life, creativity, and beautiful nature of Žďár.

Experience the trip, enjoy the story!

Museum of a New Generation

Forget dull and dusty interpretative showcases. This exceptional museum originated in Cistercian monastery, a former brewery in Žďár. It offers an exciting return to history based on perceptions and feelings, so that environment encourages the visitor to discover. Visitor experiences are enriched, as they are lead with scenography experiences. This all-encompassing experience is enhanced by video projections and music. Staging the history of Žďár, tales of the personalities whose knowledge was imprinted into buildings or statues, based on historical facts visitors are given the opportunity to evoke emotions and curiosity from within.

Expositions represent three key periods in Žďár monastery and castle grounds. The first part goes back to the 13th century, the period of establishment of the Cistercian monastery. The second part of the exhibition takes visitors to the Baroque period when the monastery in Žďár enjoyed unprecedented prosperity. During this period you will meet baroque Zdar nad Sazavou and his great intellectual, artistic and economic prosperity. Cabinet of Curiosities is the last part of the exhibition, which combines historical and contemporary elements. Historical trend towards today's new prosperity of the Žďár complex conveys impressive mapping.